New York, April 14, 2008 – Screen goddess Meryl Streep was honored with a prestigious Film Society of Lincoln Center tribute, the institution’s 35th such annual gala.  When told that the first tribute back in 1972 feted Charlie Chaplin, Streep quipped, “Oh wow, and we’re practically the same age.” 

Surrounded by friends and colleagues, Streep admitted to being a bit nervous about the evening.  Upon hearing that director Mike Nichols called her “perfect”, and Jonathan Demme said she’s a “director’s dream”, Streep deadpanned, “Oh god. I owe them big now.”  One thing the two-time Oscar winner was confident about was the series of her film clips to be screened at the event.  “They sent me a list, and we’ve all seen them millions of times”, she said, laughing.

Amy Adams, currently filming Julie and Julia with Streep, confessed to her own case of nerves.  “It’s overwhelming. I’m the last speaker, so I have to keep some sense of composure this evening.”

We caught up with Streep’s 24-year-old actress daughter Mamie Gummer, who told us, “As an actress, she’s incredible.  As a mother, she’s even more incredible.  You know, she’s my mom.  She’s great.”